NO PRIMARY CABLE AVAILABLE TO SERVICE YOUR REQUEST

-The painful saga of a would be PLDT Subscriber-

 Communication plays a vital role in the information age. It is crucial that in this time and age, facilities to access the information highway be made available to those who would have need for it. If one is not that tech savvy or just plain too stubborn to learn and move forward with the times, a BASIC PHONE LINE without the frills will suffice. If only it was that easy for RESIDENTIAL USERS with the need here in the Philippines to acquire such facility for ones’ own home.

I was a sophomore college student when I first applied for a fixed phone line from the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT). During that time, I was already working part time and getting most of my work through referrals and networking, whether they be tutorial jobs, manpower, or anything that could earn me a few extra bucks to add to my weekly allowance, hence, instant communication is paramount. I even went to the extent of scrimping part of my lunch money to be able to subscribe to a beeper service, when during that time, mostly industry professionals uses one. This was an era before cell phones and the internet was still in its infancy boasting its fastest connection at 56Kbps offered at a premium price. The internet during this time was still a luxury that not even big businesses in Ayala, Makati were taking advantage of because of its limited content and prohibitive operational cost. Mind you young readers, that during that time, desktop computers didn’t have the graphical interface we all are so used to today. An era where Wordstar and Lotus 1-2-3 were royalty of software’s for any business entity using PC’s and, oh yes, even with Apples. That time, if you want your computer to do anything other than writing documents or doing spreadsheets, one has to tell it what to do by PROGRAMMING IT LINE BY LINE. And you have various programming languages (PL) to employ. Needless to say, one has to be FLUENT in whatever PL one chooses to use. Today, all that has been simplified by savvy programmers, software engineers and designers. All one has to do today is to buy or look up the net for specific software that would do the job simply by installing and clicking away. Computers didn’t have “mice” back then, that came later when Apple introduced the Macintosh which featured a graphical user interface (GUI) based operating system (OS), which prompted rival software developers to introduce Windows for the PC. And so the OS, software and hardware wars began (sic). To say the least, I was already programming computers during that Jurassic Era of computer technology here in the Philippines, but I digress.

I lived and resided in the then closed to the public Fort Bonifacio, Makati now known as the chic and very upscale Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. As stated above I was a sophomore college student when I applied for a fixed phone line. That time, PLDT introduced their ZERO BACKLOG PROGRAM (talk about being ancient). I was even asked by them to furnish a location map to my residence alongside my application form, which I gladly provided along with other pertinent details they required to expedite my request. But even with regular follow-ups and promises by PLDT that my area will be serviced soon based on ZERO BACKLOG’s aim, NO PHONE LINE was ever installed at my home.
 
A COUPLE OF DECADES PASSED and I lost hope and interest that I will be given a phone line. I just had to rely with using my grandmothers’ landline, who lives a house away in our Fort Bonifacio compound for my communication needs no matter how inconvenient that might have been. I was already working full time as an Information Specialist in one of the firms in Makati during that time. Thankfully, cell phone services became affordable and easily accessible for everyone that it softened the inconvenience brought about by not having a fixed phone line.

When development in Fort Bonifacio went underway, with buildings being erected left and right, I took it as an opportunity to revive my old phone service request with the PLDT. At this juncture, I also inquired from other communications companies that also installs landlines (Globe Lines, Bayantel, etc.) for a possible subscription to their services. To these other companies credit, they immediately pointed out that my location is not yet covered by their service area. At least, they were HONEST to relay that information up front so as not to provide false hope. Having no luck there, I was stuck to try it out with PLDT yet again. And try I did, and for the first time I received a, “There are no primary lines available to service your request.” It was ironic that I would be given that bit of information only then by the PLDT when all along I have a standing service request already DECADES OLD and presently, I could literally spit and a business edifice and/or a condominium building, assuredly with working phone lines, would be hit by my spittle in Fort Bonifacio. I surmised that maybe, BUSINESS ENTITIES are given priority and preferential treatment by the PLDT than a RESIDENTIAL application when it came to installing phone lines. So I just surrendered, shrugged it off and just let it go. To put it bluntly, PLDT ZERO BACKLOG was personally a big bane for me.

Years went by and with the internet now a necessity and with still no phone lines available, I had to rely getting two (2) wireless SMARTBRO accounts to service my internet needs no matter how unreliable it came from time to time. I had to make do with Smartbro primarily because no other Internet Service Provider (ISP) was available to service my area. I had to bear with it or suffer having no connectivity at all to the information highway. A big bane for an information specialist who, at certain times of the week, telecommutes and works from home. And to think I live in a prime city where facilities like these should be in abundance and commonplace. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.

Last September 21, 2012, I left Fort Bonifacio and moved to our house in Pasig City. I left Fort Bonifacio where I lived all my life without the benefit of having my own fixed landline. Living now in a midscale gated community here in Pasig, I thought it best to try and apply for a fixed landline and internet connection. As a side note, one of our former tenants in our Pasig house had both Globe Lines and PLDT. I am now an early retiree, self-employed, working at home and rely heavily on the phone and the internet to augment my income by accepting writing and editing jobs, video and sound editing, web site design, and other jobs which has to do with technology and communication. I docked in at an internet shop (ironically a myDSL Internet Shop) near my place and did research for the availability of PLDT phone lines in my area. My neighbors, on my street specifically, uses PLDT. A neighbor situated two houses away from our house just recently upgraded their old PLDT service to a Telpad Subscription. My research of the local listing proved fruitful since I was able to ascertain that my area can be serviced by PLDT. Sweet! Having this positive result, I decided to apply for a PLDT phone line and internet in person instead of doing it online.

October 24, 2012, I personally went to the PLDT Business Center, Cainta Branch to apply for a myDSL Xcite Plan. After filling the application form, I inquired how long the process will take for my application to be processed and installed. I was informed that the upgrading is still on-going somewhere in the Ortigas area which happens to cover my area in Pasig. The upgrading started last March 2012. I asked for them to check again if they have an estimated time how soon they can have a connection installed. I was told that if they will not encounter technical problems, if not by December 2012, the latest would be January 2013. SWEET! With that statement, I asked the lady assisting me to proceed and process my application. I even offered to pay the installation fee upfront which I was told will only be collected once the installation order was issued and approved. I was given an Account Number on my Customer Information Sheet and was told with a smile by the assisting personnel that it won’t be that too long a wait anymore. I thanked her and left the Business Center happy and content that I will have a myDSL Xcite Plan connection within two (2) to three (3) months. My foreign friends reading this might say that that is too long a wait but let me tell you my friends, that WAITING FOR DECADES and being given a bit of good news does wonders to extend ones patience just a wee bit more. Either that or I have already become a masochist out for more PLDT pain.

PLDT as of this writing has multiple product offerings such as myDSL, Telpad, Fibr, and just recently is offering HOME. If you go to their website, which I will not provide here out of spite, one would salivate at the advertised capability and affordable rates these services offered. Then I slap myself full in the face and say out loud “DREAM ON, oh hapless one.”

December 13, 2012, my grandmother asked me to accompany her to PLDT to have her active phone line transferred from Fort Bonifacio to our current address here in Pasig. I took that as an opportunity to follow-up on my service application as well. We arrived at the PLDT Cainta Business Center around 9:30 AM and after waiting for more than 30 minutes was called and assisted at Counter 5. I asked my grandmother if I could go first since my concern to confirm the status of my application would only take mere seconds. I was informed by the assisting personnel that there was no existing primary line to process my service request. I informed the PLDT person that it was not what I was told last October when I applied. I asked how soon then can I have my phone and internet installed. She called someone on the phone and as she put it down, insisted that there are no primary lines available and it would take new cables and junctions to be installed before they can service my request. I asked how long will that process take. I reiterated that it was not what I was told last October and that we were just waiting for the upgrading in the Ortigas area to be finished for them to accomplish my request. She was adamant and arrogantly stated that it would take millions for the company to spend before I can have my phone line installed. Que horror! I asked her if I could speak with the one who assisted me last October, and she informed me with a smirk that the person I was asking for was on leave. GREAT! A very convenient excuse. But I kept a cool demeanor and tried very hard not to react to the callous treatment I got from this person at Counter 5 of PLDT Business Center, Cainta Branch.

At this juncture, my grandmother asked about her request for a phone transfer. As she was getting her papers out from her PLDT files she brought with her, which happens to include her PLDT Stock Certificate, the person at Counter 5 who was assisting us gave a snicker which came across to me as rude and outright disrespectful. Feeling a sense of insensitivity, arrogance and total disrespect from this person at how she treated us, I took my grandmother by the hand and left so as not to make a scene. To think that we travelled to the PLDT Business Center and waited for half an hour for our number to be called only to be insulted by a PLDT personnel in less than five minutes. If only PLDT can process and connect their phone lines by fifty times more than the time it took that person to insult phone applicants, then probably PLDT will have no backlog on new applications and they can focus instead on channeling their resources to improving the quality of personnel, their facilities and services.

I didn’t want to let it go that easily so upon reaching home, I called the PLDT hotline using my neighbors phone, I gave my account number to the person who picked up the call and asked about the status of my application. Again I was given the no primary line excuse. All this time I was confidently waiting that at anytime I will be getting a connection, but for naught. I recounted to her the experience my grandmother and I had at the PLDT Cainta Business Center earlier and the way how we were treated by that particular frontline person. She was apologetic but I said that for that treatment alone, it merits a complaint to be filed. At this point I asked her what the real reason was and why they cannot process my request. In addition, I also queried if a business entity has already cornered all the available phone lines in the area and if such was the main reason why there are none left. She informed me that they cannot locate my address in their database. Another excuse? How can that be when I personally saw my details encoded in their terminal last October? I asked what will it take for PLDT to LOCATE my address. I also told her that I would be willing to oblige and fetch someone from their end and physically bring them to our house if it would take that for them to physically locate my address. She told me that the issue is that there was NO JOB ORDER reflected in their files that’s why they can’t locate my address. AHA! So it shows that when I applied and was given an account number, nobody bothered to process a JOB ORDER alongside that account number, so in essence, I was waiting for nothing. Had I not called, I will not find that out. So I asked her to expedite a JOB ORDER REQUEST for me and that I will call again to ask for the JOB ORDER NUMBER. She informed me that the process will take 24 to 48 hours. I requested that someone call me back to be apprised of the developments. It was frustrating to note that it would take that long for a giant communication company to process a simple JOB ORDER REQUEST when all one has to do is encode the same to a computer terminal, but being hostage to circumstances I had no choice but bear with the situation.

December 17, 2012, obviously it has been more than 48 hours later, PLDT called on me to inform me that my job order request is still undergoing process. This I can no longer understand. How can PLDT process my service application WHEN THERE IS NO JOB ORDER. The way I see it, no matter how many service applications PLDT receives, they will not be given a connection if no job order will be generated alongside the service application. This of course is of no fault of the would be subscriber. Let me stress again how important communication is in this information age. Again I asked PLDT to expedite the generation of a JOB ORDER for that alone would merit that PLDT is indeed processing my application.

December 20, 2012, I called the PLDT hotline again and asked to be transferred to a supervisor onboard. After waiting on the line for at least 30 minutes, I was able to get a supervisor on the line. I informed the supervisor that I was calling with regards to the JOB ORDER NUMBER which they said will be provided me within 24 to 48 hours. Needless to say, it was already way past due. She asked if I may be put me on hold while she get the details. After several minutes, she got back to me and informed me that she cannot locate my address in their database. HERE WE GO AGAIN. Ergo, NO ONE FROM THEIR END bothered to make a JOB ORDER for me even if I already asked for them to expedite my request.

I was already agitated at this point in time since I already had a bad experience with PLDT and their ZERO BACKLOG PROGRAM. Now I am here in Pasig City and the same is being dished out at me by the PLDT. That being said and with the new product offerings PLDT proudly advertises in full page colors in leading newspapers and on TV, their public relation division (if they have one) should have also thought and deemed it crucial to include in those advertisements a waiver stating, “ONLY AVAILABLE TO BUSINESS ENTITIES AND IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS WHEN AND WHERE WE CHOOSE TO GIVE SERVICE” or better yet “AVAILABLE ONLY IN AREAS WITH PRIMARY CABLE FOR EXCLUSIVE RESIDENTIAL USE INSTALLED.” For once, I hope they give credence to TRUTH IN ADVERTISING. At least with PLDT Fibr, they transparent enough to say it Is available only in selected areas. Today, every time I see a PLDT advertisement, I am frustrated that I cannot have access to any of these product offerings, not even something so basic as a no frill RESIDENTIAL PHONE LINE. Subsequently, after much prodding, I was given a Job Order Number. Hurray for small victories.

It is now January 2013 and it has been more than three (3) months that I was not able to give service to clients who still call on me. Woe to us who chose to work at home. I have been given various reasons and excuses by PLDT 171 sometimes already bordering as alibis on why I still haven’t been given a connection. The lip service they give me changes every time I do a follow up, which strikes me that someone is not giving me the real score. What’s the point in their costly advertisements offering these services when one cannot even have access to such services. And it is only in the Philippines wherein one almost literally has to beg for a service company to actually provide service. By the way, I have all the names, dates and times of all PLDT Personnel I came in contact with on file during this ordeal. I am seriously considering filing a formal complaint with PLDT management/public relations concerned and alerting the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) complaints desk.

So much has changed with the PLDT through the years. They have changed leadership a number of times, business mogul Manny Pangilinan is now at its helm, they have already transitioned from analog to digital, they have various programs in place, they now have multiple product offerings. Lucky for those who are given even a basic phone line. Consider that a privilege even if you are paying for it. But for most of us who are in need of these services and has been trying FOR DECADES to get a connection from PLDT, we just have to contend with paying high cell phone bills and/or prepaid cards and using plug-in internet which are so slow most of the time and costly to maintain in the long term until some communications company becomes an actual threat to PLDT for it to finally shape up. I sincerely hope that it comes soon that similar to how it is abroad, telephone companies literally knocks on your door for you to allow them and install their phone service in your home.
 
Yesterday, as I was finishing up this article, I dropped by a neighbors house for a brief chat. Before I left, I asked if I may use their phone. Given the go signal, I called the PLDT hotline and gave my JOB ORDER NUMBER just to follow up still hoping against all hope that something positive will come my way. But as expected, I was told “THERE ARE NO PRIMARY CABLES AVAILABLE TO SERVICE YOUR REQUEST.” But wait, there is a new addition to that statement, “Sir, your Job Order has been cancelled by our technical crew please re-apply for service after one month.” I almost threw my neighbors PLDT Telpad out of their stained glass window.

Note: This writer is now in the process of assessing other viable and economical options on how he can solve his connectivity issue.

NR 01082012

 

THE UNINVITED

An obnoxious and an uninvited IN-LAW dropped by the house this Christmas afternoon unannounced with half-a-dozen or so individuals in tow. How I consider this person as such won't be discussed here for that would take another blog or two entirely. My relatives were surprised how she got wind of our gathering and how she was able to get hold of our new address, but being "in the zone" because of THE SEASON, welcomed and accorded to her common courtesy extending the same to her entourage, no matter how much of a distraction and an inconvenience she brought along with her on their sudden appearance.

Adding insult to injury, the phone rang and I was the unlucky one who picked the phone up. After I recited my standard phone greeting I got a woman on the other end who brusquely asked me who I am. I calmly said, "I beg your pardon, but you are the calling party and it's only polite that I be the first to ask who is calling." She firmly said that she got two (2) missed calls on her Cell Phone which registered our home number so she was prompted to return the call. This she said with neither apology nor a semblance of civility.

Keeping my cool, I politely pointed out to the caller that she should have stated her purpose when returning a call to an unknown phone number then identified herself or vice versa. Beating her to the punch before she can issue a rebuttal, I immediately asked the caller again to whom am I speaking with. She gave me her name almost in a shouting manner followed by a blunt "At sino ka ba? (And who are you?). Still keeping cool and not knowing who she was, I repeated the caller's name out loud for anyone in the room to hear. The obnoxious in-law said that it's her sister on the line and that the call was hers. She stood from where she sat and half ran towards me, she then yanked the phone from my hand without even waiting for me to hand the device over to her nor even giving any hint of a thank you as she turned her back on me and proceeded to attend to her call. For a few seconds, I swear you could've heard a pin drop as it bounces end from end due to the abrupt silence that ensued. My relatives present know full well that I openly loathe the woman even to her face for her uncalled for animosity towards me and against the family. Some of them covertly feel the way I do, some even worse than loathing and the remainder doesn't give a hoot about her at all. All of them though, at that instant, was anticipating for me to blow my top and to give her a full military style dressing-down right then and there. Thinking of Christmas and what the season stands for and much to my relatives relief, I disappointed them all when I decided to glide out of the room without uttering a single word nor a hint of agitation. In my head though I was thinking and screaming, HOW UTTERLY UTTERLY RUDE! -- FIRST: Crashing a party with entourage in tow. SECOND: Using the phone and dialing a DDD number without permission and THIRD: Getting one of the hosts to pick up a call from an equally obnoxious sister sounding ala The Queen of Sheba having a bad PMS day. Apples doesn't fall far from the tree nor from each other indeed.

Thankfully, she and her entourage left early. You might say it's the Christmas season. One should forgive and forget in honor of Him the real reason for the season and in accordance with civil tradition. My fellow pedestrians believe me when I say that with her, I tried, and I am trying still. But when I am on the verge of letting go, she has this uncanny ability and rough timing of circumventing and trying my limits, that of which causes me to end up belaying the decision to grant her full and unconditional redress. Some people just have the knack of creeping into your nerves no matter how much you try to purge ill-will from your system. Anyone care to agree or disagree?

REMINDERS TO SELF: 1. INSTALL an Access Code to prevent free access to NDD and DDD outgoing phone calls. 2. POLITELY ask a rude caller to dial again or call at a later time and to entertain the call only until such time the caller realizes to keep his/her phone etiquette in check. 3. ALWAYS keep in mind that PATIENCE is a virtue. 4. TAKE THE HIGH ROAD and add a sprinkle of UNDERSTANDING when facing any untoward situation. 5. Add to this list that may induce personal positivity as the need and/or situation arises. 

What an awkward treat this was for me to close our Christmas Day Celebrations. I just hope that I would be able to keep myself in the zone and won't be THE FIREWORK if she gets wind of ANOTHER get together we planned after she and her party left come NEW YEAR, January 1, 2013.

NR - 12252012

A NEW WAVE AT THE 2012 METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is a weeklong exhibition of locally produced Filipino films in cinemas that runs starting December 25 up to December 31 every year. Some films, usually the award winners or the blockbuster hits extending theater runs for another week or more. Worth mentioning is that it has always been claimed that “quality” Filipino movies are showcased within this festival season. In my personal opinion though, it has been a hit and miss in both quality and story content. Some going the way of being common and too commercialized like run of the mill regularly shown movies that it borders, to one who is an avid movie lover, to question the criteria’s for a film to merit being selected for exhibition. Much has been said, seen and written about the festival as well as some controversies that transpired in past, from the selection process to the awards night, but that is not the subject of our story.

This year, the MMFF added a pleasant addition to its history that not only caught my interest but was surprised that almost nothing was written or talked about it. This year, the MMFF 2012 is showcasing  “The New Wave Filmfest.” It is a festival of five (5) independently produced films or more commonly known in the industry as INDIE to be exhibited a week before the main film festival run. I gathered that the five (5) films were chosen among 300 entries. Sources also say that the MMFF is giving indies a “face lift” maybe to alleviate this sector of alternative Philippine cinema from the stigma of being labeled as low quality, also maybe to rid it of the mostly negative connotation and reputation that past indie films have built for itself in the local scene. Whatever the real aims are, I give this years’ MMFF organizers three claps and a snap for this move.

One particular entry that caught my fancy is GAYAK, a family oriented drama pegged by Ronaldo M. Bertubin (DGPI). He also directed well received indie films: Love Birds, Kurap, Last Viewing, to name a few. GAYAK centers on the story of the relationships between four main characters namely: Alan Paule as Felix, his son played by Sef Cadayona as John Christian, Evelyn Vargas who played Adela (older sister of Felix) and her son Drake played by Richard Bradley. The story kicks off with the “Pagsa-San Juan” a religious tradition or “pamamanata” in the town of Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija wherein participants don dried banana leaves and/or grass, cover their exposed skin in mud and walk the town asking for alms of candles and prayers that are to be offered, including their own, at the plaza of the town church.

The tight relationship between father and son is established well on in the first few minutes of the film. Felix, a widower, is somewhat protective of his only son John Christian and is deemed by his only cousin Drake a “lampa” or clumsy and too sickly for not going out of their house too much while they were growing up. This, as a matter of course, is one of the plot twists revealed later on in the film.

Another aspect of the film is the tight bond between Felix and Adela, the latter being the doting elder sister who has taken care of her younger brother since they were younger, going as much as getting extra work from nearby provinces for Felix who is a small town tailor by trade and staying days on end to assist him until the completion of the work.

One layer not so unique though is the relationship between cousins John Christian and Drake. Being the only sons of sibling Felix and Adela, the bond between the two cousins might have been tighter in real life than what has been portrayed on screen. The story also has its share of a slight “tissue” moment presented in the highlight scene reminiscent of a Japanese film I’ve seen titled “Departures.” You may consider yourself stone-hearted if you’re not even slightly moved by that solitary scene alone.

Without giving too much of the story, here are some yes and no’s. Yes, John Christian is later revealed to be gay. No, this is not the real reason of his being “lampa.” Contrary to common local macho belief, being gay does not make one automatically physically clumsy. Yes, his cousin Drake was the one who initiated the baptism of fire, ergo, my statement in saying the situation is not so unique, and I daresay even between female first cousins. And yes folks, it does happen to some, let us not be prudes and say that it does not. Anyway…

Let me just issue a fair warning to those with prurient interests who would only want to see this film based solely on how graphic the scene was presented between the two good looking male cousins. It will not raise your body temperature, neither will it make you squirm uncomfortably in your seat nor make those with lower sensitivity thresholds close or cover their eyes as the scene is being played out. You might counter by saying “but this is supposed to be an indie film.” Yes it is indeed an indie film but this is NOT THAT TYPE of an indie film. Kudos to Direk Roni Bertubin for the effective guidance of his actors Sef Cadayona and Richard Bradley in showcasing this baptism in a very tasteful manner. It showed innocence and want without employing gimmickry bordering to fantasy, unnecessary vulgarity and of being obtuse as exemplified by other exploitative, run of the mill, gender targeted indie films. WELL DONE! To add, and in jest, I was waiting for the proverbial flower to fall in that deflowering scene reminiscent of mid-1950’s to 1960’s Filipino films. In this instance, for those who have had a similar experience, the curling of toes and the closing of a bathroom door is sufficient enough for them to reminisce. Kudos also goes to the MMFF organizers for living up to its promise of a NEW WAVE of Indie. I am personally looking forward to more of the same or even better next year.

The story’s thirty-two (32) year timeline from 1980 to the present is fast paced and the viewer has to be attentive of everything that transpires on screen as each section of the film is unraveled layer by layer. The nominal use of background sound and music was effective in eliminating unnecessary distractions and in catching the viewer’s attention to the story as it unfolds in present time, interspersed with time jumps which were later on unveiled via flashbacks towards the end of the movie. As for the technical aspects of the film, some scenes might need to be shortened, others expounded to give it more punch and effect. Considering how slow rural life can be, it would have been more effectual to have showcased the time differences physically like in a scene where Adela gave Felix a Classic 6120 Nokia Cell Phone which I place the story to have taken place in the present year. Let me just state for the record that I am not nitpicking and I also have to make mention that not everyone will notice these slight nuances in films, like I’ve noticed in GAYAK that John Christian is ambidextrous. How’s that for attention to detail? Overall, presentation is clean, balanced and well executed. For those tired of seeing the usual imported and too commercialized local movie fare, I personally rate this one a “GO SEE.” The theme song titled “Sa Pagdating Mo” was composed and arranged by Robert Delgado with lyrics by Roni Bertubin was brilliantly interpreted by Gerald Santos.

From Left: Jun Flavier Pablo (Executive Producer), Richard Bradley

and Director Ronaldo M. Bertubin (DGPI)

From Left: NR, Richard Bradley, Jun Flavier Pablo (Executive Producer)

and Tanny Perez (Production Designer)

The MMFF New Wave Filmfest will run from December 18 to 22 at the Glorietta 4 Cinemas in Makati City. Other films featured are Ad Ignoranciam which delves on political injustice, Grave Robbers is an Action-Adventure, Paglaya sa Tanikala which touches on religion, and In Nomine Matri which is a drama about a Flamenco dancer.

As of this writing, it has been announced that the MMFF New Wave Filmfest will have two (2) extra days run until December 24, 2012. Judging from the full house reception of the showcased films, notably GAYAK, it shows promise that this is a welcomed and refreshing addition to the MMFF indeed. Hopefully, next year, the organizers of the MMFF will continue with this new addition and extend the New Wave Filmfest to more theaters in and around the Metro before the main MMFF entries are shown in the theaters.

NR - 12212012

Internet and Broadband Data Capping

Data is data... it is there in the world wide web for all to access. It is not owned by the telcos or the ISP's. What we are paying for is the speed at which these data can be accessed by us paying customers. Isn't that the gist on why they spend so much for their advertisements? DATA CAPPING is bad for us in this interconnected world. They are hampering our right by LIMITING our access per day. What's the point in BRAGGING about how fast their speed is? Truth is, it's a blessing if you can get a STABLE 60% of their ADVERTISED SPEEDS. And they blame the internet hogs? It is not their fault. And it is not for the ISP's to say and blame THE CUSTOMERS for using a service which they pay for.

Let's put it this way, CABLE TV for example. Those broadcasts you see ARE DATA. Sure they also provide extra channels as an add on to your monthly bills if you want them, but i digress. The point is, I can keep my TV SET on for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, flick through all the channels if I want to without the cable company telling me that I've watched too much that other USERS of their SERVICE are suffering, so the solution FOR THEM is to LIMIT my watching hours. GET THE DRIFT? But of course that doesn't happen with Cable TV. Good thing about them is when there is a SERVICE INTERRUPTION, they tell you WHERE THE PROBLEM AREAS ARE, THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM, AND A SPECIFIC TIME FRAME WHEN THE SERVICE WILL BE RESTORED. Can we say the same of our INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS?

The main cause of the problem with these telcos is their infrastructure. They lack the equipment to service their existing customers yet they accept more subscriptions than what their EXISTING SYSTEMS CAN HANDLE. And their CHEAP SOLUTION? LIMIT SPEED or CAP DATA. Or worse, BOTH. Instead of upgrading their systems to solve bottleneck connectivity issues, THEY BLAME THE USERS for "abusing their connection." PUHLEEZE! The data we get (download) from the net or give the net (upload) is not theirs. What we pay them for is the medium on how we receive and deliver these data. Which by the way is still so much to hope for as it is. What we users contend with ON A DAILY BASIS: Unsteady, unreliable, half or sometimes below THEIR ADVERTISED SPEED (allegedly throttling), and to add insult to injury, CAP THE AMOUNT OF DATA we can access PER DAY. ENOUGH!

The TELCOS, by their advertisements, tells us we can get X Mbps for X amount of pesos per month. No mention of data limits except maybe for some in the fine print. And more, they add the word UNLIMITED to their ads. That speed will mean NOTHING. If one can rip through the DATA CAPS in 3 hours or less. That is if you can have a stable and steady connection for 3 straight hours. Just ask those who constantly monitor their speeds and they will tell you. If they can't route me my X Mbps, they shouldn't have sold me X Mbps if they can't deliver.

Do they even reimburse us during downtimes or below workable speeds? I don't understand why they have to CONTROL the AMOUNT of INFORMATION from flowing steadily to solve their bottleneck which is allegedly artificial if not, allegedly nonexistent to begin with. The internet is the last bastion of TRUE FREEDOM all over the globe, no one has the right to control, regulate, nor curtail that freedom. Well, except maybe for China (political) and parts of the Arab countries (modesty). Too bad I wasn't able to attend the NTC Public Hearing held last January 2011 regarding this latest scheme to skim more money off of subscribers by these ISP's, else, I could have given them a piece of my mind in person.

Fellow pedestrians, they want to get away with it by implementing their own version of Canada's Usage-Based Billing (UBB). As a starter, they are now calling it as "FAIR USE POLICY." UBB by the way was largely protested against by Canadian users. We should all do the same.

To know more on what UBB is all about, click on the link below.

CLICK HERE

This might be what we have to contend with soon if we allow whoever it is that "owns the medium to control the message."

NR-05022011

I Cried On Stage

Nothing beats a good melody interspersed with meaningful lyrics. Songs that can stand the test of time that even young and old alike enjoy listening to repeatedly. Songs that is universal in its appeal yet crossover different genres and still touch the hearts and minds of its listeners. Very few of these songs exist.

My father had a good singing voice like some of my uncles, his brothers. Papa’s singing was not that spectacular but he had a way of enunciating the words and letting the melody roll almost effortlessly that can make you stay and listen. From that moment, I began training myself how to sing properly. I listened to the greats and tried to imitate their style down to a T. It was an unsuccessful attempt at first with my own mother as my greatest critic. I endeavored to improve but was never even chosen for glee in elementary and high school. This challenged me to improve myself further until friends and relatives began taking notice. But I never let it go to my head. My belief has always been that there is always room for improvement. I am happy, for I’ve learned and found my own voice. I may not be that great a singer, but I am confident that I can carry a tune.

My very first public performance was during a company family outing. My father was the one who encouraged me to sing in front of the entire company of his peers. I was only twelve or thirteen years old that time. As a tribute, I chose to sing his favorite song, Steve Lawrence’s version of “The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me,” which I know by heart. As the melody began to play and the initial applause of the crowd rang, the unthinkable happened. I froze, and forgot the lyrics. Panic struck me as about four hundred pairs of eyes of my father’s officemates, officers, executives, and their families were all on me.

The band looped the intro as I blankly turned to my back to look at the bandleader as he signaled with a nod for the proper time for me to begin singing. I know when and where to come in, but the words were jumbled in my head that I could not even let out one note. They looped the intro a third time and this time, my father sensing something wrong, stood up, grabbed the microphone from my hand and began singing “his” song. I was so embarrassed by that episode that I wanted to flee the stage right there and then but my father held on to my shoulder as he continued singing. I eventually made up for that embarrassing faux pas years later, when I already had enough confidence and experience, and learned how to control my stage fright. I sang for that same crowd each time there was an official company function. Every time I go up on stage, I blank the crowd out except for my father, wherever he was seated, and sang my songs as if I was singing only to him.

“Feel when you sing.” My father always said to me each time I practiced at home. “It doesn’t matter what type of songs you sing, but feel what the song is trying to convey and make your audience feel that.” I took that to heart and felt sad when I sing a sad ballad, angry when I belt out an angry pop or rock song, jolly and playful when I sing happy tunes.

Years later, my father was diagnosed by his doctors and found he had a tumor on his brain. His surgeon gave a very high survival rate if he undergoes surgery the soonest time possible. The tumor was situated on top of the brain, not inside it. He survived the procedure but he had to undergo a series of twelve cobalt treatments, one to be administered every month to ensure that the tumor will not return and kill off any of its remnants. But unknown to us, he underwent only three treatments and stopped. In three years time, his tumor returned and was more virulent. He underwent a second craniotomy but he never got out of his coma after a week in the Intensive Care Unit. His doctors told me that normally, only two to three days was needed to return and wake up after such a major operation. I should know because during his first operation, it took him only a few hours to wake up and I immediately tested him if he had any memory loss, which I find were all-intact. When the doctors told me that if he does not come out of his coma soon, his chances of surviving would be grim as he was becoming more dependent on the machines that was keeping him alive. The fateful moment came when the doctors announced that he was already brain dead. I was with him in the ICU all that time, not even going home for a proper rest after more than a week in the hospital. I demanded that they leave the machines on in case a miracle will be given us at that point. It never came. It was painful but I had to accept it was God’s will, and it was truly his time to go.

I requested a few moments alone with my father before the doctors finally turned off the machines. I whispered my goodbyes to him as I held his hand. Then I softly sang his favorite song to his ear. Brain dead or not, a tear fell from my papa’s eye as I was about to come to the song’s end. I knew right then and there that he heard me. I was still hoping at that point that he would show me a sign that he was going to survive. But no, he was already gone. My mother and a cousin came a few minutes late upon his official time of passing.

Over a year after, I was asked to perform two songs at our annual office Christmas party. Once more, I stood in front of the same people as I did when I was a kid. I decided to sing two Gary Valenciano songs that night but after the first song, I noticed it failed to connect with the audience based on their polite applause. So I decided to drop the other prepared song, and decided instead to risk it by singing Boy Katindig’s “I Will Always Stay In Love This Way” in the original style of Baron Barbers. Good thing the band knows the song and is part of their repertoire. This song has since been covered by artists such as Side A, Luke Mejares, Nina, Lea Salonga and as of late, Jed Madela.

“Feel when you sing.” My father’s voice echoed in my head as the piano intro began and as I sat on a high stool. That time I was in pain for losing yet another battle to unrequited love. I was in the proper frame of mind to sing that song. When suddenly, that familiar sense of panic from my initial outing surged through my body. No! I will not allow this to ruin the moment. I took a deep breath as my cue was about to start. Instinct automatically took over and I blocked out the audience except for two whom I imagined was in the crowd. My father and that person whom I was yearning for.

By the third phrase and a key change near the end of the song, I felt tears welling from my eyes. I sensed my voice was about to crack because of the surge of mixed emotions flowing through me. The pain knowing my father was not truly there and the anguish of losing yet another special someone to somebody else. My breathing was off from the effort of not letting my tears fall in front of the audience. I stood up as I went to the fourth “I will always stay this way in love with you” and pointed the mic to the audience as a cue for them to sing with me. They did. As the audience sang, I turned my back, let my tears fall, did a quick wipe, signaled the pianist to do four more bars and a cut. In the few seconds of silence, I crooned the last line. I confess that was not one my best performance, but it was well received nonetheless. Later that evening I was asked to sing two more songs.

Thank you Papa for the inspiration and I miss you. And thank you, you the cause of my hurt back then. So sorry that you got dumped after barely three months with that somebody you chose over me. Because of you, I now have a deeper well to draw from when I sing a sad love song.

Click on title links below to hear the songs:

Steve Lawrence The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

Boy Katindig I Will Always Stay In Love This Way with Baron Barbers on vocals

NR-01202010

Blue Moon in Cancer

A Blue Moon is a second full moon in any given month. However, no Blue Moon can occur in February because of its limited number of days. No, it doesn’t mean that the moon will turn blue. Although sometimes, because of atmospheric conditions, the full moon does give out a shade of very light pale blue. A Blue Moon usually occurs every 2.7154 years. So when you hear the phrase, “Once in a Blue Moon,” it literally means not very often or highly unlikely. If you want to be technical about it, almost a little over every two and a half years. The last regular full moon occurred on December 2, 2009. I happen to take a photo of the event. I only wish I had better equipment to fully capture its splendid beauty.

On December 31, 2009, New Years Eve, the world will bear witness to a Blue Moon. This one is special since the next Blue Moon that will happen to fall on a New Years Eve is expected to occur on December 31, 2028. As an added trivia, it is also possible to have two Blue Moons in one year. This celestial event can occur once every 19 years. The last time that happened was in 1999 so we can expect to have two Blue Moons to occur in 2018.

As stated, December 31, 2009 is a Blue Moon passing through Cancer (The Crab). The moon is Cancer’s ruling planet. Well not really a planet in astronomical terms, but it serves its purpose in the astrological sense. What makes this event special, aside from it occurring on a New Years Eve is that there will also be a partial Lunar Eclipse. December 31, 2009 is going to be a Blue Full Moon the same night it turns a new decade. Now that is a sight for all to look forward to not because of its astrological nor mystical significance but mainly because, I for one expect to see a spectacular early evening scene. It’s about time for those of you who have telescopes to bring them out. Add to that, prepare to take pictures.

We know the moon for a fact affects the tides of any body of water. No matter what any textbook says, I believe we humans, being mostly walking bags of water, can be affected by the phases of the moon or the emotional tides within each of us. Not that people will turn lunatic or even into werewolves, but studies show that crime rates are higher during a full moon. In my personal observations, people are usually more energetic, easy going, or even become more emotional or irritable during the three-day full moon cycle.

For centuries, the full moon has always been associated with many myths from every culture. For Wicca practitioners, the moon is an important entity. It is during a full moon that many practitioners of elemental magic perform their rituals. They believe that it is during a full moon that this celestial body is at the height of its strength. Usually the energy and essence of the full moon is drawn unto oneself. If done right, one can feel a heightened state of consciousness, and feel power radiate throughout ones body. For some, this is also an opportune time for them to strengthen their psychic shield and/or invigorating the chakras.

Astrologically speaking, this is a time for souls and hearts to seek harmony. This is also a time that emotions are at full force that can have so much impact and change things. Sensitivity will also be heightened at this period. Some of you who are attuned to these forces may already be feeling its effects, most especially to those belonging to the water signs. It will grow in strength as the full moon arrives. On the plus side, emotional intelligence will also be heightened which might give clarity regarding decisions about any situation they are in.

In matters of the heart, there can be acts in which a desire to nurture and protect will play a vital role in decisions. One might even come out with new ideas how to effect security whether they are physical, mental, or emotional. A warning though, be mindful never to be swept away by waves of feeling. Emotions play a major role under this Blue Moon.

That being said, astrological or astronomical beliefs aside, December 31, 2009, 7:22 PM, would be a time to step out of your houses and marvel at the glory of a Full Blue Moon. By itself, a regular spectacular full moon is a sight to behold. I say do not miss this coming Full Blue Moon on a New Years Eve, else you will have to wait 19 years for it ever occurring again. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we get clear skies on that date.

NR-12292009

Musings of an Empath

“An empath is a person with an ability to read and understand people and be in-tune with or resonate with others, voluntarily or involuntarily of one's empath capacity.” - Christel Broederlow (2002).

To expound, an empath is a person with a high sensitivity to sense feelings or emotions of people, or to some extent, even animals, plants, or can even have empathic attachments to inanimate or non-living things. Some can even experience higher forms of extra ability but not necessarily leading to or limited to Extra Sensory Perceptions (ESP).

With a handful of tests and writings about determining if one is an empath explaining what makes one an empath or not, I believe everyone can at one form or another exhibit an empathic experience or ability. It just so happens not all is attuned or adept as to what they have just experienced. An empathic flash or spark perhaps? Most commonly, they dismiss it as just a gut feel. Some individuals even force to “feel” something from someone falsely believing he/she is one when in fact, they are not. Most often than not, this leads to frustration or catastrophic results based on false readings or interpretations of whatever impression real or imagined he/she gets. However, there are natural born empaths. I happen to be one.

A born empath can easily recognize and sense everything around him/her. The folly is, not all natural born empaths knows they have this ability at the onset of the ability manifesting itself. Some even deny having this ability; consider it a curse, and try to shield themselves from the world. Those however, who fully accept and become adepts can experience a whole gamut of experiences which may or may not necessarily be their own. Still, some natural born empaths doesn’t exhibit the ability unless subjected to a very heavy dose of emotional, physical, or mental strain.

Empaths can get impressions differently, and in varying degrees or levels. Some can “feel” colors and get the impression of each color based on each type of emotion. Some see pictures; others can get them from scent, touch or feel, or even taste. However, to clarify, this has nothing to do with clairvoyance, although some empaths are also clairvoyants. Some are attuned to get a combination of the above, and even some can get them all at one blow. Pity to those empaths who can’t handle all impressions at once.

Empathy has no sense of time. Sometimes if a specific event is too strong and focused on constantly by a person most especially if the event is most special, dangerous, or most recent, an empath can easily pick that up too. Some empaths are also healers. Healers of minds and emotional pain. Others can even exhibit alleviating physical pain to a certain degree, but not totally.

Being a person with empathic ability, it is a matter of perspective if one can consider being one a curse or a blessing. I for one consider having this ability as a blessing although admittedly sometimes, I also consider it a curse especially when someone close to me lies. There have been times when I blankly point this out. Sometimes, even when one is not talking, I can sense when someone is hiding something. It now comes down to ones experience in dealing with human nature and social interaction how to address such occurrences when they manifest themselves.

Friends and family members often ask me, can this ability be learned. My truthful answer is both a yes and a no. I don’t even know why I have this nor can explain clearly how, but it’s there, and it’s very difficult for me not to use it. A learned empath can deal with human emotions based on what is given in real life and interactive situations. A true empath however can see beyond what is said, seen, or acknowledged. Simply put, one can see beyond what is. To cite an example, a learned empath can distinguish an apple from behind an opaque plate of glass based on what is perceived by the apple’s shape against the glass. A true empath will see the apple making the opaque glass clear or even dissolving the glass entirely thereby seeing the texture and color of the apple. Some gifted empaths can even go beyond and smell its fragrance depending on his/her adeptness. Further, some will even perceive that the apple is not an apple at all but something entirely different.

Empaths can sense negative emotions most easily. Pain and anger being at the top of the list. At par with positive emotions such as love and happiness. Further, carnal impressions are also quite strong and distinguishable immediately even for non-empaths. The difference however is that to an empath, one can sense the sincerity of such carnal impressions or just a mere trap in seduction.

Not all empaths can control or taper their abilities at will. This is a process that an empath must learn by either self-training, direct instruction from someone adept, or meditation. In my case, since I’ve identified my abilities early, the transition for me was easy but not without pitfalls along the way. We cannot just turn off our ability at will. The truth is, we can’t. Nevertheless, we can develop barriers to filter out the unwanted continued “noises” we receive. As said, the strongest we can perceive are love, happiness, pain, and anger.

For this reason, I hate going to hospitals and funerals, even just staying in the halls. The negative emotions are just too draining. Unless, I prepare myself well, I might get all unwanted impressions especially from one or many in pain or worse, the grieving. Weddings and celebrations are however welcomed since the sheer numbers of revelers outnumber those who are party-poopers. However, I must also add. That if my focus centers on one person in a negative manner, I can be affected strongly as well. The worse of this is I can channel all that negativity to others. So as much as possible, I avoid being in situations like these or else be the party-pooper.

Nothing is more emotionally painful, frustrating, and highly disappointing to an empath than that of a direct lie. This is most evident if the lie comes from people we care and trust. To an empath, our emotions are tied most strongly if that person is a loved one such as, a family member, a romantic partner, a lifetime friend, or even from someone we have developed a strong sense of affinity. Most often, a true empath will shield himself/herself from getting impressions from these people since we trust them implicitly. Empaths usually reserve their emotions and make others feel at ease and tending to their needs first, forgetting or putting their own in the back burner.

But there are situations when the impression is too strong that they cannot disregard it, and with reservation, ”pry” into that person. This of course will depend on the adeptness of the empath. Some even show physical manifestations if a lie is felt or said. Some have their body hairs stand, others feel warmth or heat, and others flush, blush, get a tingling or buzzing in the ears, a throbbing in the head, or a sudden change in disposition. I get one or a combination of these physical manifestations.

For an empath, the easiest people to "read" are those who are “transparent” in their dealings. People who show they are happy when they are truly happy, those who are transparently angry, the obviously sad and emotionally in pain, and of course those who are in physical pain. These people have already lifted a veil or mask for the empath to see clearly. A diversion from which however is easily distinguishable and although can be faked outwardly, the truth of which is very visible to an adept.

There have been many times when I also lost control. By being too naturally focused on the emotional needs of others, and putting my own aside. The repercussions are quite debilitating. This however can easily be remedied by focus and meditation. However, several months back, I was subjected to so much unexpressed anger and anxiety that I lost all control. Meditation and relaxation were useless. Even an attempt at catharsis seemed futile. I can feel everything around me. Even the tiniest ones.

In addition, it all came in at the same time, indistinguishable like a jumbled up collage of positive and negative emotions from all angles. I had no choice but to check myself off from anyone for a while. It took me more than a month to regain control with occasional slip-ups. But eventually I gained it back by first blocking everything out. At this point, I considered myself blind. During this process of blocking, I can’t “feel” or get impressions from anyone with effort in maintaining the block. But the underlying factor is that the ability is there and I will have to let it go again or suffer in another form. So slowly, I let it loose, layer by layer, with extreme caution. Now I am back to “my normal.” The plus factor in the ordeal, I am now more sensitive, but in control.

Just to put non-adepts at ease, empaths are not mind readers. We are very far from that. Actually, we can’t even be considered close or aligned to that of mind readers. We cannot read your thoughts but can feel or read the emotions arising from those thoughts. The closest example I can give based on my own is much like of a bat or a whale using sonar. They can send out the signal and not physically see what’s ahead, but get the echoes or impressions of the terrain depending on how strong or how far they send their sonar signal. The difference however, is we do not send most of the time, but constantly receive. And our range is dependent on how advanced our ability is. We are also not super creatures as what is depicted of us in science fiction and comics. Not all empaths can interpret what they "read" accurately most especially when the empath himself is in a vulnerable state of mind. Accuracy comes with time and practice as with any ability.

Can a non-adept person block out an empath from feeling or getting an impression from him/her? The answer is yes but with extreme difficulty. Any living creature has energy fields with varying degrees of strength, and all these are interconnected and highly perceptible to an adept empath. An adept will naturally be curious why he can’t feel or read a person. And it won’t take long before that person’s defense is breached, but only if the empath really would want to. As much as possible, an empath would like to not get any impression at all, for it means one less person contributing to silence.


NR-12192009

Losing Relationships

I empathize with anyone who is in pain and I truly understand what you are going through as of the moment. The best of us have undergone this situation one time or another in our lives. Just recently, I have been subjected to such an event. Not by my choice, mind you. Moreover, like all the others before it, it was not a pleasurable episode.

It is painful to put a strain on or even lose any kind of relationship especially when you have already invested considerable time, energy, and emotion into it. However, reality bites that sometimes, things just do not work the way we envisioned them to be. Nevertheless, should we wallow in sorrow and retreat ourselves into the darker recesses of our inner being when everything crumbles? My answer is an unequivocal, yes. In that particular time frame, one has all the right to be. For in our lonesome and in our darkness, we learn to look at ourselves from within and from another angle amidst the emptiness surrounding us.

At this stage, each of us has our own threshold of how long we stay on this level. The sooner we realize that we deserve something better than what we have in our temporary predicament, the sooner we emerge from the darkness like the mythical phoenix, reborn from the ashes of the past, and with the flames burning bright towards a better future.

"Move on", two words we commonly say, and hear people say when one chapter ends and another is on the wings. However, allow me to augment that, personally, "moving on" in itself is an inaccurate description of what we should do. For when we say move on, it simply illustrates the physical and mental state from one point to another. I say inaccurate, since saying "moving on" is an incomplete phrase. It simply says we move, but it does not say "where to." For we can say move on up, move on down, move on sideways, move on forward, or, even move on backwards.

I say my friend, make your move a more positive one, and state with conviction, "There is no other way for me to go but to move on forward. I am done being down, so along with that I will also move on up. Hello world, I am back!"

So keep on believing that there is someone out there we truly deserve to be with, and someone who deserves us. Also learn to say a silent prayer of thanks, that we live another day as the Creator intended for us. Thanking Him for the opportunity that we exist not because we need it, but we exist for the simple reason that someone out there needs us. We exist not just as an object of their affection, but also as their guiding light, and their angel on our short stay here on earth.

Note: Picture taken from the web.

Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife

When I get bored to my guts and really wanted to have some peace and quiet or just want a change of scene, I just step out of the house and trek anywhere within the OLD FORT BONIFACIO. I just grab a book and read away under almost century old acacia trees. Just me, my book, under a tree, sometimes atop its branches, while a cool and gentle zephyr blows. But ever since "development" of THE FORT and the coming of modern structures, the natural ambiance and serenity of the place vanished along with the trees and endemic wildlife. Gone is the peace and quiet, leaving only bits and patches of "untouched" land as you see in the picture below.

An almost century old acacia tree still left untouched in Fort Bonifacio today

But, now that tall edifices replaced the once tree laden FORT, I go back to Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife in Quezon City. It has been a while since I last visited this park. For those on a budget, both time and money, the park is a quick getaway for those who want to commune with nature or for those who just wants to sit back and relax, without ever leaving the city. I just hope cities in around the metro with patches of land to spare, can make parks like these for all to enjoy.

Details of Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife

Location: Quezon City
Entrance Price: PhP15/car; PhP8 per person

For first timers. Make sure you fully charge your Digital Cameras and Video Cameras. Bring extra batteries if you have to for there are lots of great vistas wherein you can have photo ops with friends in nature scenes, and with various flora and fauna as backdrops. Coming to the park is far more rewarding in my opinion, to relax by your lonesome, a special someone, or be with friends and/or family while communing with nature other than gallivanting in concrete jungles (READ: Malls).

For those who haven't been to Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife, check out the pictures below. These were all taken inside the park.

Other Write ups:

A refreshing experience of the woods and its wildlife in a safe environment. Quezon City harbors such a place. Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife was started in the mid Martial Law years (late 70s to early 80s). It’s an 80-hectare city forest reserve for woodland and animal life. It is along the Elliptical Road in Diliman, Quezon City, across the Quezon Memorial Circle.

From downtown Manila travel takes, via the España-Quezon Avenue route, some 45 minutes to an hour. Public transportation plying Quiapo to Philcoa or Fairview will never fail to drive past this Philippine tourist spot in Quezon City. It’s right at the very tip of Quezon Avenue right across Kidney Center and Lung Center of the Philippines.

Named “Philippine Parks and Wildlife” in the Marcos administration, it was changed to “Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife” in the reign of President Corazon Aquino. This Philippine tourist spot in Quezon City boasts of a number of caged wild animals and tree and plant species, plus a vast playground, deeply shaded promenades, a man-made lagoon, eatery, huts and cottages, among others.

Lots of school excursions, tourist trips, movie and commercial shooting, and casual visits are scheduled in this Philippine tourist spot in Quezon City. Even health buffs like joggers and volleyball and badminton aficionados frequent it, especially in early mornings. Picnic grooves and huts are best for outdoor meals and helpings are available at the eatery beside the lagoon.

The lagoon is littered with benches at its edges under big tree shades. A sunken amphitheater is at its bank. It is a favorite hang out of lovers, book readers, bonding families, idle visitors, and students rehearsing a drama or concert. Others celebrate religious fellowships there and display public communion with their Creator. The lagoon has an extended covered port where curious visitors can venture farther and nose around for what may be hiding in the lake.

Life activities of men, the wilds, and nature burst with vibrancy at Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wild Life. This wooded haven standing right in the midst of business affords travelers with an accessible Philippine tourist spot in Quezon City.

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NOTE: All photos except THE ACACIA were taken from the Web.
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